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Virginia OSOW Regulations

Permit, escort, and operating-hour requirements for oversize and overweight moves in Virginia.

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Virginia OSOW Regulations (VDOT)

  • Width: 8'6"
  • Height: 13'6"
  • Length: 48'
  • Legal Overhang: Front 3', Rear 4'
  • Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs maximum
  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs
  • Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
  • Tri-axle: 54,000 lbs
  • Max gross weight based on axle spacing formula

Escort Vehicle Requirements

Certification Requirement

  • Virginia requires P/EVO certification
  • All escort vehicle operators must be certified prior to performing escort duties in Virginia

When Escorts Are Required

Over Width - Non-Interstate Routes

  • Over 12' wide: 1 front escort AND 1 rear escort
  • Over 14' wide: 2 front escorts AND 1 rear escort

Over Width - Interstate Routes

  • Over 12' wide: 1 rear escort
  • Over 14' wide: 1 front escort AND 1 rear escort

Overhang

  • Over 10' front OR 15' rear: 1 escort

Over Height

  • Over 14'5" high: 1 escort with pole

Case-by-Case Determination

  • Over 18' wide or 200' long: Handled case-by-case
  • Escort requirements subject to change based on individual consideration of weight, width, length, height, geographical location, or route of travel

Escort Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Requirements

  • Option 1: Truck or SUV - Minimum 1/4 ton rated load capacity, maximum 17,000 lbs GVWR
  • Option 2: Passenger vehicle - Minimum 2,000 lbs gross weight

Communications

  • Two-way radio communications system required
  • Must maintain communications with load, other escort vehicles, and utility vehicles

Transport Vehicle Requirements

Signs

  • "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs required:
    • All over-dimensional permit loads
    • Placement: Front and rear of vehicle/load

Flags

  • Placement: All four corners of all oversize loads
  • Additional placement: Widest extremities of vehicle/load on wide loads
  • Additional placement: Extreme rear of overlength loads

Lights

High intensity amber flashing lights required for:

  • Vehicles more than 12' wide, OR
  • Vehicles more than 75' long
  • Visibility: At least 500 feet
  • Mounting: Top of towing vehicle
  • Exception: Not required when accompanied by escort vehicle

Operating Times

Standard Hours

  • Monday through Saturday: Sunrise to sunset

Continuous Travel Allowed

  • Over-length only: If length not over 85' AND rear overhang does not exceed 10'
  • Overweight only: Continuous travel permitted

City/Town Rush Hour Restrictions

Except on Interstate system:

  • No travel 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (within corporate limits)
  • No travel 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (within corporate limits)

Holiday Restrictions

No travel permitted on:

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Contact Information

  • Website: https://www.virginiadot.org/
  • State: Virginia
  • Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Regulatory References

  • Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Code of Virginia - Title 46.2, Chapter 10, Article 18 (Permits for Excessive Size and Weight)
  • https://www.virginiadot.org/
  • https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title46.2/chapter10/article18/
  • https://jjkellercompliancenetwork.com/regsense/oversize-and-overweight-movements-virginia

Last Updated: 2025-11-11